💫

You had a very extensive pre-show routine that hyped you up, and simultaneously relieved your anxieties. You'd prep your hair and skin with masks and tonics galore, taking in each and every relaxing scent of the process.

Mmmm lavender.

Once you were done in the bathroom, you'd do some light yoga and stretching, and top it off with an attempt at meditation... So much harder than it seems.

Next, you'd silence your phone. No one could reach you except for a few select contacts. NO SOCIAL MEDIA. Can't risk losing any confidence to all those perfect fashion models.

Then, there was the big-day-diet.

First things first; only herbal tea and water to drink. Secondly, no dairy. Bad for your voice. And obviously, no eating less than an hour before performing. Bloating, gas, spinach between your teeth? Hell no.

So, how did you entertain yourself with all this time on your hands? Practice, duh.

You had recorded an amateur demo of your song and asked a few Beach City citizens to help out with your act- which they gladly agreed to. Among your backup singers/dancers were; Sadie, Jenny, Jamie, and Yellow Pearl. Yep, backup dancers. In the span of only a few days, your act had gone from good to great. It was everything you could've dreamed; sequined outfits, multicolored lighting, and your voice to top it off.

Everything was perfect, because it had to be.

You really had to win.

"Ugh," Jenny panted, "when are we getting a break?" She whined, bent with her hands on her knees.

You looked around to see everyone out of breath and exhausted. Except Yellow Pearl, that is, since she doesn't... breathe.

"Sorry guys," You said. "I guess I didn't realize how long we've been going at this," you checked your phone;

"Wh- bu- hh," Sadie panted, "we've been at this... for hours."

Yellow Pearl sighed; "Please, it's only been one hour and 48 minutes. Don't be so dramatic."

"This is the art of dance! Of performance!" Jamie exclaimed. "We must practice until we reach perfection!" He fell to his knees. "Even if we die of exhaustion trying."

The group groaned.

We have been practicing for a while... I guess a break couldn't hurt?

"How about some breakfast? On me?" You offered to the group, earning a collective sigh of relief.

"That sounds like a yes."

💫

Steven and his dad had their act all set for a while. Today, it was all relaxing and father-son bonding time. Although, Steven couldn't keep you off of his mind. It took all of his energy not to text you. He wanted to know how you were doing, what you were thinking, what you were wearing... well, not like that.

Steven shook his head trying to get his mind to stop wandering.

"You okay there, bud?" Steven's dad, Greg, asked. "You've hardly touched your coffee."

The two of them had taken Greg's old van around the town; listening to music, sight-seeing, and talking about life over coffee and donuts. They were parked atop a cliff where they could see the sun rise over the town.

"Hm? Oh, yeah..." Steven looked at the to-go cup in his hands. "Just zoning out. Guess I really need this," he chuckled, then took a sip.

"You sure?" Greg smiled. "You know you can talk to me about anything."

Steven lowered his cup, "yeah. I know, Dad."

Just then, Steven's phone buzzed and startled him. He fumbled to put his coffee in the cup holder, almost spilling it everywhere in the process. He unlocked his phone eagerly:

Steven sighed disappointedly and pocketed his phone. He looked back up to see Greg staring eagerly.

"Dad..?" Steven started.

"I... KNEW IT!" Greg exclaimed. "Who?"

"Huh?" Steven was startled, "who... what?"

Greg sighed; "well, this is obviously a case of the babe butterflies." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Steven laughed awkwardly; "uhhh the babe what now?"

"You're smitten. Admit it," Greg stated smugly.

"Wow, Dad, when did you become such a gossip?" Steven joked, trying to change the subject.

"What? I'm not gossiping! I'm connecting with my son," Greg pouted.

"Yeah... right... you're just acting very... high school," Steven responded.

"Hah," Greg grinned, throwing his head back. "How would you know, homeschool?"

"I've got a TV," Steven shrugged.

"Well, regardless," Greg continued, "who is it?"

Steven sighed, realizing it would be over sooner if he just went along with it.

"I'll tell you about her on the way back, okay?" Steven offered. "Pearl texted- she wants us back for breakfast."

"Okay," Greg replied, happy he cracked Steven, "you're the boss."

Without another word from either of them, Greg started the car with a smile and drove the both of them back down the hill towards Beach City.